Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and OriginThe concept of being "born into sin" refers to the theological doctrine of original sin, which posits that all human beings inherit a sinful nature due to the transgression of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This doctrine is rooted in the narrative of
Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve's disobedience to God's command resulted in the fall of humanity. As a consequence, sin entered the world, and all their descendants are born with a propensity to sin.
Biblical FoundationThe doctrine of original sin is primarily derived from several key passages in the Bible. In
Romans 5:12 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned." This verse underscores the belief that sin and death are universal conditions passed down from Adam.
Psalm 51:5 further illustrates this concept, where David laments, "Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me." This verse is often cited to support the idea that humans are born with an inherent sinful nature.
Theological ImplicationsThe doctrine of being born into sin has significant theological implications. It underscores the need for redemption and salvation, as human beings are incapable of achieving righteousness on their own. This inherent sinfulness necessitates divine intervention through Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, provides the means for reconciliation with God.
In
Ephesians 2:3 , Paul describes humanity's natural state: "All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath." This passage highlights the belief that, apart from God's grace, humans are subject to divine judgment due to their sinful nature.
Christ's Redemptive WorkThe New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the solution to the problem of sin. In
Romans 5:18-19 , Paul contrasts Adam's disobedience with Christ's obedience: "So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous."
This passage emphasizes the belief that through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are offered forgiveness and the opportunity to be born again, free from the bondage of sin.
John 3:3 records Jesus' words to Nicodemus: "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." This new birth is understood as a spiritual transformation that restores the believer's relationship with God.
Practical ConsiderationsThe doctrine of being born into sin has practical implications for Christian life and practice. It calls for humility, recognizing one's need for God's grace and mercy. It also emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation. Believers are encouraged to live in accordance with the Spirit, as Paul exhorts in
Galatians 5:16 : "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
In summary, the concept of being born into sin is a foundational element of Christian theology, highlighting humanity's need for redemption and the transformative power of Christ's redemptive work.
Topical Bible Verses
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Topicalbible.orgJohn 9:34
They answered and said to him, You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us? And they cast him out.
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Psalm 51:5
Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
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Library
The Same Pope Honorius Also Wrote to the Scots...
... the one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, Who was conceived and
born withoutsin; for all other men,being born in originalsin, are known to...
The Great Privilege of those that areBorn of God
... the wide difference there is betweenbeing justified andbeing born again, has... children
of God; to show how "whosoever isborn of God doth not commitsin."....
Guiltless and WithoutSin.
... He was sorely tempted so that He cried out, "Let this cup pass from Me," in the
center of His personalbeing He remained... "Conceived andborn insin" is the...
Old and New Terminology.
... used in its wider sense, denotes the entire change by grace effected in our persons,
ending in our dying tosin in death and ourbeing born for heaven....
Regeneration the Work of God.
... 4.Being dead insin, they can not be saved withoutbeing born again. 5. Hence
regeneration does actually take place in persons that are not self-conscious....
OriginalSin
... that all who deny this, call it originalsin, or by... us; and that, consequently, we
are notborn altogether so... so virtuous as we should be; therebeing few that...
How St. Augustine,Being Made a Bishop, Sent to Acquaint Pope...
... himself to have been conceived in iniquity, lamented that he wasborn fromsin,
because he... As very often bybeing angry we correct faults, and at the same...
"That those GrievouslySin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious...
... Chapter IX.""That Those GrievouslySin Who Despise or Neglect... the genuine friends
of the First-born, who first... O the prodigious folly ofbeing ashamed of the...
The Marks of the New Birth
... 4. An immediate and constant fruit of this faith whereby we areborn of God, a... God
be thanked, that ye were the servants ofsin, " butbeing made free...
John Chapter xv. 24, 25
... He so spake to them and did such works among them; but thissin of theirs... He transcends,
indeed, the miracles of all besides, inbeing born of a virgin, and in...
Resources
What does the Bible say about being nosey? | GotQuestions.orgIs being gay a sin? Is it a sin to be gay? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the implications of God being infinite, unlimited, and unmeasurable? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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